See Chrisy run.

The Jacket

Supermodel and I each became proud owners of the Triple Trail Challenge "trophy" jacket on Saturday. The jacket was awarded to participants who successfully completed the three required events.  We ran our third race, Mid Mountain Marathon, Saturday morning.  It was much more difficult than we expected.

I won't give a blow-by-blow, but 25 miles of the 26.2 were on singletrack.  Rocky, root-ey, hilly, singletrack.  When I crossed the finish line I searched for and found the few friends who had run the race prior... the friends who had said, "Your legs will feel GREAT after running a marathon on trails!  Yes it's at 8,000' elevation, but the trail's relatively level, just a few climbs, and it's all downhill after mile 20!  The scenery's beautiful!"

When I found those friends, I said, "You lied.  About everything."  And they did.

But, Supermodel and I each conquered the course.  I suppose the views were pretty if you wanted to prolong the time on the mountain to stop running and... look.  My eyes had to remain on the trail or I tripped, plus the views gave me vertigo.  I was running with a guy for several miles; he stopped around mile 12 and said, "Let's just take a moment to enjoy this beautiful view!"  I said, "Pretty.  Now let's GO."

I fell.  Three times.  It hurt.

I've never fallen while running on the road.  I fell three times during the Jupiter Peak Steeplechase in August, and was determined not to fall during Mid Mountain Marathon.  I can't tell you how painful it is, physically and emotionally, to hit the ground in one of these races.  The physical pain is obvious.  But it's the emotional pain and mojo loss that drains me.  It's a huge withdrawal from an energy account that has limited funds.

I finished though.  I finished with sore knees and a dirty body, but I finished strong.

[Looking for Chris and the boys.]

[I see the boys.]

 

Supermodel fell once and also finished strong.

 

We hugged and cried and were happy that the event, the whole Triple Trail Challenge, was over.

I called Supermodel today...

ME:  How ya feelin'?

SUPERMODEL:  Better than I thought I would.  My shoulder and hip hurt.  I think it's from my fall.  How about you?

ME:  My quads and calves are sore, and my knees are hammered, but I'm functioning.

We talked about what we'd eaten, how we craved salty foods, how our plumbing had taken 24 hours to return to normal.  Then I asked her if she'd pop over so Chris could take some pictures of us in our jackets.  The jackets I convinced her would be SO cool to have.  We'd be like the Navy SEALS [sort-of] of trail running!

Here we are in the jackets we ran for, fell for, argued about, and spent $140 in entry fees for!

[Click on all photos to enlarge.]

 

 

I wanted to do some fun poses, maybe build a pyramid or do the splits, but Supermodel wanted no part of it.  Chris photographed one of our famous disagreements.

I begged and pleaded, but I couldn't get Supermodel to do a Cirque du Soleil trick with me in our jackets.  She finally just walked away.

 

Maybe after we complete the Triple Trail Challenge next year she'll do it.  C'mon, Supermodel.  It'll be fun!

About A Week

The marathon is less than a week away.  I can't express how relieved I'll be when the event is behind me.  Marathon training, at it's peak, dominates and colors a person's life and schedule.  At least it does this person's life and schedule. 

I knew our summer plans as a family were loose, so I could commit to a training plan.  Chris and the boys have been very supportive.  I suppose there's nothing my training has prevented us from doing, but the long, Saturday, training runs have meant quiet Friday nights [nothing out of the ordinary for us].  Other than my unfortunate heat-exhaustion experience, I've felt fine after 17, 18, 20 mile runs and been able to go on hikes or work in the yard for the rest of the day. [Only because my endurance runs are at a VERY slow pace.]

The past couple of weeks, Supermodel and I have had a few days with conflicting schedules.  I enjoy having a training partner, but the days I run solo are nice also.  I'm alone in my thoughts, I talk to God, and I have conversations with people that I won't likely have in real life.  It's cathartic.

**********

Two things I wish Supermodel could have experienced with me last week...

Ferdinand:  The coolest, small, but stocky, black bull lives in a pasture on one of my running routes.  He roams peacefully amongst the horses and cows, and I LOVE him.  As I ran by one day last week, he was sitting on his rump, just like the passive bull Ferdinand in the 1930s story, with his back towards the fence, making a moany-mooing sound.  He was only a few yards away from where I stood.  I made a clicking noise to get his attention.  He made his moany-mooing sound after my clicks, but he never figured out where the clicks were coming from.  He looked left, then right, but didn't turn around to see me.  I finally resumed my run, but I believe that little bull was sitting there enjoying the view of his pasture, maybe even smelling the flowers like Ferdinand.

*Barefoot Running:  I saw a man running in a pair of the Vibram FiveFingers shoes.  We were running towards each other and I noticed his feet looked different from a distance.  I stopped him and asked how he liked the shoes.  He said he only wears them once a week to work on his form.  I'm not sold.  They're too ugly.  A friend of mine predicts they'll be the next footwear trend for unfashionable lesbians.  If anyone has experience running in these shoes, I'd be interested to know your thoughts.

**********

I've given up coffee and have been drinking green tea in the hopes that the extra flavonoid antioxidants will boost my immune system.  I have an easy training week ahead.  My personal life is busy with the boys and appointments, etc..., but the running will not add any stress.  I'm almost there.

I feel a little anxious about the race, but I know I'm prepared.  I followed the plan.  I may not break any speed records, but barring an unforeseen glitch, I should accomplish my goal.

I'll let you know in about a week.

*Photo courtesy of Google Images.

Plans Are Good

Supermodel and I ran the Park City Half Marathon today.  Two years ago we completed the full marathon and had a blast. [At least, that's what I keep telling Supermodel.  Remember?  We had fun!]

The past couple of weeks have been hectic for both of us.  We recovered from the Steeplechase, but it took longer than we expected.  We felt sluggish on our training runs for days.  Supermodel had house guests and welcomed a foreign exchange student to her home.  We both have been preparing for our kids to start school.  And I had the misfortune of losing my grandmother on August 20th.  Her death was imminent but observing and experiencing the emotion leading up to her passing was draining.

But, we are not special because we ran a half marathon and managed to squeeze in training runs during busy schedules and exhausting life experiences.  All runners do that.

Our finale, the Mid Mountain Marathon, is in three weeks.  Today marked our last endurance run before the marathon and our training plan specified a 20-miler.  Because the half marathon was only 13.1, Supermodel and I crossed the finish line, I hugged and kissed our adoring fans [Chris and the boys], Chris took a few quick pictures of us, then we returned to the race course to run seven more miles so we could complete the 20 miles; per the plan.  I like plans.  I like to adhere to the plan.  Supermodel?  Respects a plan, but is comfortable screwing with changing the plan.  She was a good friend today and adhered to it.  For me.

[I like this picture because you can see my oldest son standing behind us with a video camera.]

 

We backtracked on the course 3.5 miles, then turned around, returning the last 3.5 to the finish line.  By this time some of the faster full-marathoners were heading towards the finish line too. Our timing chips were removed, but we still had our numbers on so we could take advantage of aid stations.  People were cheering for us because we appeared to be FAST marathoners.  At first I tried to explain as we ran by, "Oh!  No.  We finished the half.  Just trying to pick-up seven to make it a 20-miler, but thank you!" [smiling stupidly]

After several times trying to politely explain, speaking as quickly as possible as I ran by, looking over my shoulder while finishing the too-long and complicated speech, I finally quit explaining.  Supermodel and I found it easier to wave, smile and graciously receive everyone's cheers and expressions, Looking good! Great job!  You're almost there!

We pulled off the course several hundred yards before the finish line and ran on side streets.  It felt good to get the attention of someone who completes 26 miles in the time it took us to run 20, but we needed to back-alley it for a bit.

The next three weeks will be a taper, per the plan.

**********

For you, Rena...

Blue = completed workouts  Red = workouts awaiting me

Week of August 10th
M - 10 mi easy
T - Cross train 40 minutes [bike]; lift weights
W - 4 miles with 6 x 20 sec strides
Th - 8 miles on trail
F - Cross train 40 minutes [elliptical]; lift weights
Sa - 13 miles on trails
Su - OFF

Week of August 17th
M - 10 mi easy
T - Cross train 40 minutes [bike]; lift weights
W - 6 miles with 5 x 20 sec strides
Th - 6 mi easy
F - Cross train 40 minutes; lift weights - OFF [felt tired]
Sa - Park City Half Marathon PLUS 7 miles for a total of 20 [per THE PLAN]
Su - OFF

Almost Badass

Supermodel and I completed the Jupiter Peak Steeplechase on Saturday.  Our concern about the weather was for naught.  We couldn't have asked for more perfect conditions weather-wise.  The temps were in the 40s and 50s, no wind, no rain, and blue skies.  My gear bag was packed with so many clothing options, it looked like I was going on vacation for a week.  I wore a sleeveless shirt and no gloves.  I was very comfortable.

Race Synopsis:

Mile 1:  Up

Mile 2:  Up

Mile 3:  Up

Mile 4:  Up

Mile 5:  Up

Mile 6:  Up

Mile 7:  Areyoukiddingme? Up  [Without exaggeration we climbed, using our hands, to the top of Jupiter Peak.  The peak was comprised of loose rock with weeds growing sporadically.  We could grab the weeds for balance, but there was no trail and the rocks slipped underfoot.  The view gave me vertigo and nausea, so I looked quickly... once.  Maybe another time.]

Mile 8:  Slightly Down [after scaling the Peak], but then... UP

Mile 9:  Slightly Down - Fall Number ONE for me.

Mile 10:  Down

Mile 11:  Down

Mile 12:  Down

Mile 13:  Down, Up, Down - Fall Number TWO for me.

Mile 14:  Down

Mile 15:  Down - Fall Number THREE for me.

Mile 16:  Down - FINISH!

There were varying degrees of intensity and grade with the climbs and descents, but you get the picture.

For those who haven't run a hill climb that includes a descent, running down is more difficult than one would think.  There were a few sections that were too steep to run, and the runnable sections required restraint on my part because my knees can't take the pounding.

Supermodel and I separated early in the race.  It happens.  We positioned ourselves at the very back of the pack before the start.  Once we began running, I realized we'd made a mistake.  There were people ahead of us who probably should not have been.  We were running on a forest service road for roughly the first half mile, then we all poured onto a single-track trail that was 18" wide.  The race began up a hill, so everyone was dealing with immediate oxygen debt.  I did the best I could to reposition myself before the single-track.  Supermodel was doing the same thing, but we lost each other.  We both knew the other would be okay.

This was a very difficult event, which made reaching the finish line that much sweeter.  Chris and the boys were there to support me, and Chris took several pictures.  Here I am before I noticed Chris or the boys.

With yards to go, I saw this...

Which made me so happy, I almost cried...

 

...before I finally ran across the finish line.

 

After the race, Supermodel and I hugged and congratulated one another.  It's always a bonding experience to train with someone and complete a goal together. [We still have two more events ahead of us.]  Supermodel told me all about her run, and I told her about mine.  We shared and cared about each other's aches, pains, joys, and victorious moments.  Supermodel and a few other runners were charged by a mother moose and her baby around mile four on the course! 

Supermodel also fell, only once, but she was scraped pretty badly.  We decided it's not your first trail race if you don't leave skin on the trail.  Just like, it's not a party until somebody pukes.  We're both officially initiated.

Toddler Child did not like seeing my skinned knees...

 

Supermodel and I after wiping ourselves with Wet Wipes.

Before we loaded up the car to head home, we paid a visit to the results table.  We were each handed a card with our UNOFFICIAL Overall Finish as well as our Age Group Finish.  My card said 32nd overall.  Supermodel's overall finish was very near that.  We asked the woman who handed us our cards how many people actually ran the race and she said close to 250.  Supermodel and I raised our eyebrows at each other and said, Not too shabby!

The following day, OFFICIAL Results were posted on a website.  I discovered that our "Overall Finish" results were for WOMEN only.  The race was timed as a Men's Steeplechase and a Women's Steeplechase, which is typically a subset of Official Results in other races I've completed.

I called Supermodel.

Me:  Guess what?

Supermodel:  What?

Me:  Official Results are posted and we didn't do quite as well as we thought.  We still did a great job, but it's a little deflating.  Our overall finish number was only for WOMEN.

Supermodel:  I liked thinking it was for the whole field.

Me:  Me too. 

We may not have finished quite as well as we originally thought, but we each did better than we expected we would.  And?  It's possible I finished the race with a broken wrist.  It's definitely sprained, the swelling's gone down, and my mobility's returning.  If it's not better tomorrow, I'll get an X-ray.

 

Tell me that's not badass.

This Time Tomorrow - Wine

The Jupiter Peak Steeplechase is tomorrow, August 8th, in Park City.  The race begins at 8:00 AM and Supermodel and I are as prepared as possible considering our schedules, kids, pets, houses, and lives.  The weather forecast has caused as to scramble a bit.  We had planned to run in temps in the 70s and 80s, but a storm has moved in and the projected low tomorrow is 39 with a high of 60 later in the day.  We'll need to dress for temps in the 40s and 50s, and be prepared to run in rain.

I called Supermodel as soon as I saw the forecast this morning...

ME: Hey.  I just checked the weather.  Forget the tank tops, we're gonna need long sleeves and gloves.

SUPERMODEL:  Great.

ME:  There's also a 70% chance of rain.

SUPERMODEL:  Will they cancel if it's raining?  I don't want to run UP in the mud. *sigh*

ME:  They probably won't cancel unless there's lightning.

SUPERMODEL: *sigh*

ME:  It'll be fine.  C'mon, it's a notch in our belts!

SUPERMODEL:  I can't believe we're doing this for a jacket...

[NOTE:  If we complete all three races in the Triple Trail Challenge, we each receive a cool jacket.  And bragging rights, of course.]

I found a video taken at last year's event.  The weather in the video was what we were expecting.  There's no doubt the course is challenging, but it looks beautiful and I just know Supermodel's gonna have a BLAST once she get's moving.  Maybe I'll remind her to wear the special shirt she wore the last time we ran in the mud. 

**********

For you, Rena...

Blue = completed workouts  Red = workouts awaiting me

Week of August 3rd
M - 2 mi easy; 3 mi @ level 7; 2 mi easy
T - Cross train 40 minutes [bike]; lift weights
W - 6 miles with 6 x 20 sec strides
Th - Intervals: 1 mi warm-up; 5 x .75 mile repeats @ level 8 [.25 mi recovery]; 1 mi cool-down
F - OFF
Sa - Steeplechase - 16 miles [We're supposed to run 20 miles per our training plan.]
Su - Off

The Soul Patch

I'm still here!  Still running!  The past month has been hectic so blogging has taken a backseat.  A quick update...

Arizona:  We traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, the first week in July.  We arrived on a Friday and I ran 15 miles in the desert on Saturday morning.  Although I hydrated, I suffered a bout of heat exhaustion.  I wrote about it on my other blog, CSquaredPlus3, here.  I recovered and ran nine miles in the desert two days later.  I'm fine.  I'm also glad I don't live in Phoenix in the summer.

Injuries:  It's a miracle.  My knee and foot feel fine.  I almost hate to type it.  After my last post, Tara from the blog "Colorado Runner" left a comment and shared her positive experience with a shoe insert called Superfeet.  I purchased a pair in Arizona and I'm amazed at the improvement in my pain.  I've battled knee pain for years, and my knee doesn't hurt.  It's almost unbelievable.

First Event:  The Jupiter Peak Steeplechase is two weeks from this Saturday -- August 8th.  Barring no sudden injuries or illness [I probably shouldn't have even typed that], Supermodel and I are as ready as we're going to be.  We're treating this event as a training run.  We're technically supposed to run 20 miles per our training plan, but we figure eight miles UP [3000 ft. elevation gain], then eight miles down will do the trick.

Supermodel:  Her IT band and ankle are still bothering her.  She just purchased Superfeet last week so she's still waiting for the miracle that I've experienced.  She's sore and remains on the brink of a full-blown injury, but hanging in there.  Send her good juju.

The coolest thing about Supermodel these days?  She's sporting a soul patch.  On her ankle.  She's missed the same spot shaving the past few times.  I'm thinking of growing one.

**********

For you, Rena...

Blue = completed workouts  Red = workouts awaiting me

Week of July 6th
M -  9 miles easy
T -  4 miles easy
W -  4 miles with 6 x 20 sec strides
Th - Intervals: 1 mi warm-up; 8 x .25 mile repeats @ level 10 [.25 mi recovery]; 1 mi cool-down - OFF- too much drinky in Arizona with Chris and my brother Joe. [Sake was involved.]
F -   Cross train 30 minutes [bike]; lift weights - OFF- driving from Arizona to Utah
Sa - 11 miles on trails
Su - Off

Week of July 13th
M - 2 mi easy; 2.5 mi @ level 7; 2 mi easy
T - Cross train 40 minutes [bike]; lift weights
W - 6 miles with 4 x 20 sec strides
Th - Intervals: 1 mi warm-up; 5 x .5 mile repeats @ level 8 [.25 mi recovery]; 1 mi cool-down
F - Cross train 30 minutes [bike]; lift weights
Sa - 17 miles on trails
Su - Off

Week of July 20th
M - 9 miles with 10 x 30 sec strides
T - Cross train 40 minutes [bike]; lift weights
W - 4 miles with 6 x 20 sec strides
Th - Intervals: 1 mi warm-up; 3 x 1.5 mile repeats @ level 7 [.25 mi recovery]; 1 mi cool-down
F - Cross train 30 minutes [bike]; lift weights
Sa - 18 miles on trails
Su - Off

Uh-Oh

Supermodel and I are falling apart.  She's battling IT band syndrome on both legs now, and a lateral ankle-lower-calf-thing.  We don't know what to call it.  The way she describes her pain, it sounds like a tendon to me.  Neither one of us are doctors... but we could be if we wanted to.

I continue to deal with chronic knee pain, but that isn't the problem right now.  It's my foot.  I'm worried I have the beginnings of a stress fracture.  I hate to even type it.  Maybe I don't.  I don't know.

Supermodel has already left town for the 4th of July weekend.  We're leaving tomorrow and will be in Arizona for a week.  We've agreed to take care of ourselves and pow-wow when we return, hopefully having benefited from a little cross-training and a break if necessary.

I've been able to run through the foot pain so far, but today I've chosen to forego my speed workout.  I'm supposed to run 15 miles on Saturday and I'd rather save myself for the endurance run.  The endurance run in the hot desert.  I'm a little worried.  I haven't had an opportunity to acclimate to the heat this summer because we've had so much rain.  The morning temps have been pleasant.

Please keep a good thought for our various pains.  If anyone knows what Supermodel's lateral ankle-lower-calf-thing could be, let us know.  My foot pain seems to be on the top of a metatarsal, but I'm not noticing swelling, which typically accompanies a stress fracture.  Again, if anyone has any ideas, I would appreciate it.

Have a safe and happy holiday!  Hurty Hurtington, signing off...

**********

For you, Rena...

Blue = completed workouts this week.  Red = workouts awaiting me.

M -  8 mi easy with 8 x 30 sec @ level 10
T -  Cross train 30 minutes [bike]; lift weights
W -  4 miles with 5 x 60 sec strides
Th - Intervals: 1 mi warm-up; 2 x 2 miles @ level 7 [.25 mi recovery]; 1 mi cool-down - OFF- hurty foot
F -   Cross train 30 minutes [bike]; lift weights - OFF- hurty foot
Sa - 15 miles on trails
Su - Off

Trit, Trot, Trit

Once upon a time...

...two, nice, middle-aged women, who were friends and running partners -- Supermodel and Chris -- decided to avoid difficult, potentially muddy trails for their required 14-mile training run on a Saturday morning, and instead chose to run on flat, packed-dirt, canal paths.  The two women were both battling sore muscles and on the verge of developing injuries that had the potential to sideline their goals... a story we'll save for another time.  It's a very saaad story.

It was a lovely Saturday morning run.  The temperatures were cool, the air was still, the sky was blue, and because the women were hopped-up on Advil, their potential injuries didn't hurt!

As the friends ran along the lovely path, admiring the backyards, gardens and properties of strangers [Yes, they were nosy.], they noticed a herd of goats across the canal.  Cute, nice goats... thought the women.

Supermodel noticed one, young, spunky goat was outside the fenced area that contained it's herd-mates.  Supermodel then noticed the little goat began trit, trot, tritting across a wooden bridge, over the canal, towards she and Chris.

"That little goat's following us," said Supermodel.

"Don't make eye contact," said Chris.

The two women continued running when Chris heard the sound of little hooves and rapid goat breathing.  The little goat had happily joined Supermodel and Chris for their run.

"This goat's going to follow us.  We have to take him home," said Chris.

Supermodel agreed, so the friends stopped, turned around and began walking towards the wooden bridge.  The little goat licked Chris' legs, and she almost fainted.  Chris is a little OCD and germophobic.

The two women searched and searched for an opening in the fence so they could communicate somehow to the goat, without touching it, that it should return to it's herd-mates.  The women could find no opening.  But a large white dog found them and barked and barked and barked at them while standing on the opposite side of the fence.

"I think you should pick up the goat and put him on the other side of the fence," Chris said to Supermodel.

"I think I'll watch you do that," replied Supermodel.

The women stood there and thought, while the little goat continued to lick Chris' legs, and the dog continued to bark.

"I'll pick up the front half of the goat and you pick up the... other half," said Chris.

Supermodel sighed and bent down to grab her half of the goat.  Chris picked up the front half and once the goat was about three feet off the ground, Chris... accidentally... let go of her half of the goat.

Fortunately, Supermodel was very strong and calm.  She gracefully lifted the goat over the top of the barbed-wire fence, and gently placed him on the ground, all while ignoring the big, white, barking dog... who was actually a friendly dog.  Chris noticed his tail wagging while he barked.  Chris thought how nice it was that Supermodel was able to give the goat a soft landing on the proper side of the fence.  Chris thought had she been responsible for the final placement of the goat, she might have... accidentally... dropped the goat over the fence.

The two friends walked across the wooden bridge and returned to their side of the canal so they could finish their run.  As Chris restarted her watch, she said, "I wish I had some Purell."  Supermodel laughed, and she never once mentioned the fact that Chris let go of her half of the goat.  And off they went...

The End.

Photo courtesy of Google Images.

**********

For you, Rena...

Blue = completed workouts this week.  Red = workouts awaiting me.

M - Tempo Run: 2 mi easy; 2 mi @ level 7; 2 mi easy
T -  Cross train 40 minutes [bike]; lift weights
W -  5 miles with 6 x 20 sec strides
Th - Intervals: 1 mi warm-up; 6 x .5 mile repeats @ level 8 [.25 mi recovery]; 1 mi cool-down
F -   Cross train 30 minutes [bike]; lift weights
Sa - 14 miles on canal bank
Su - Off

Motivation

My husband had double [bilateral] hernia surgery last Wednesday.  He felt crummy for a couple of days, but has turned a corner and is improving daily.  I had to grab workouts when I could [when he was sleeping] and I battled general fatigue and lack of desire all week.

Thursday, the day after Chris' surgery, was the most difficult day.  It was a speed workout with quarter-mile repeats.  Fortunately, there's a junior high school track near our home.  It's a beautiful setting.  I ran my mile warm-up, taking the long way to get there, then crossed the quaint bridge over the stream.

It was a cloudy, rainy day, but I thought to myself... Self, you are so fortunate to have the privilege to live and run in such a beautiful place.  Don't think about how tired and heavy you feel today.  Enjoy the views and the fact that you're not laying in bed recovering from bilateral hernia surgery!

Running towards the track...

The workout called for eight quarter-mile repeats with a quarter-mile recovery in between.  It sucked.  Every single lap... sucked.  But!  I enjoyed the beautiful views on my recovery laps.

I noticed a sign on a chain link fence that borders the school property.  I thought to myself... Self, this is an unusual sign.  I wonder why that farmer-person feels the need to place that sign right along the track?

And then I thought to myself... Well duh, Self.  Junior high school kids?  Farm animals bordering their track?  Not this farmer-person's first rodeo.

Next time Supermodel and I are at the track together, I'll see if I can get her to jump the fence.  Just for giggles.

**********

For you, Rena...

Blue = completed workouts this week.  Red = workouts awaiting me.

M - 9 miles steady pace [We were supposed to run 8 miles, but Supermodel did us wrong.  She'll tell you so herself.  It was hilly and hard.
T -   SLACKER -  I was supposed to cross train 35 minutes and lift weights, but I didn't.  I was tired from Supermodel's poor decision making as run leader the day prior.
W -  4 miles with 4 x 20 sec strides
Th - Intervals: 1 mi warm-up; 8 x .25 mile repeats @ level 10 [.25 mi recovery]; 1 mi cool-down
F -   Cross train 40 minutes [bike]; lift weights
Sa - 9 miles on canal bank
Su - Off

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Muddy Sequins

We've had rain for over a week now.  Supermodel and I discussed possibly running on the road today instead of trails to avoid mud.  We decided 12 miles on the road would be long and boring compared to navigating an occasional, small, mud bog on the trails.

It rained last night but had stopped this morning.  The sky was grey with storm clouds.  Supermodel arrived at my house at 7:30 AM, ready for our run.  We're tough.  We don't let a few clouds or sprinkles discourage us from accomplishing our training.  It's important to stick to the plan!

When she walked up my driveway, commenting seriously about the weather, her sore knees, and hips... I couldn't focus on what she was saying, because she was wearing something... a little special.

"You have a sparkly shirt on," I said.

"It was the only tank top I could find.  I might need to peel," she said matter-of-factly, clearly not concerned that she would be running trails in a sequined shirt.

Trail runners do not wear sparkly, sequined clothing on runs.  Not only was I embarrassed for her, and me, I was worried the sequins might act as a lightening rod.  I made a mental note to create some distance between us on the trail.

We ran.  It rained.  Supermodel didn't want me to create too much distance between us because she was afraid the moose her husband had recently seen on the trail would "get us".  We got muddy.  For much of the run, we felt like we had 1-3 pound weights on our ankles because the mud was so thick.  We saw a creepy man in a hooded sweatshirt carrying a suspicious gun-looking thing in the middle of nowhere...

"What's our plan?" I asked. [I like plans.]

"If he comes towards us, run the opposite way," she said.  "Fast."

That's called the every-guy-for-himself plan where I come from.

The creepy man wasn't carrying a gun and he didn't seem interested in us.  He went his way and we went ours.

There was no moose, no other runners or riders tempting fate by running in the rain, under clouds that could have thrown lightening at any moment, and Supermodel's sequins actually looked pretty out there.

We finished our run, wet, dirty and spared from a lightning strike or moose attack.

We both decided that although we love running trails, we prefer the tidy kind of trails.  No mud, no bugs, no wildlife.  The kind where sequins don't seem so... out of place.

So-Ugly-They're-Cute Socks

Saturday, Supermodel and I ran 11 miles on trails.  We're fortunate that the summer heat hasn't arrived in Utah [I hate to jinx the weather by typing it outloud - shhhh] so our run was pleasant. 

We discuss many topics while running, especially on endurance runs.  During our sharing time Saturday, we discovered that we both had lost our one good pair of trail socks.  The pair of bamboo and wool, so-ugly-they're-cute socks that we purchased at the same time.  Supermodel chose the ugly shit-brown pair.  I chose the ugly charcoal-grey pair.  We figured our husbands smuggled the socks into their drawers because they looked so manly and ugly... and cool.

Sure enough, we intersected with Supermodel's husband around mile nine.  He was riding his mountain bike and...wearing her socks.

I had already accused Chris [my husband] of sneaking my socks into his drawer and in a dramatic show reminiscent of O.J., wide-eyed, fumbling with the gloves, Chris defensively rifled through his underwear and socks, proving to me that he hadn't taken my so-ugly-they're-cute socks.  I didn't believe him.  I didn't believe O.J. either.

Saturday, late afternoon, I decided to find my socks.  They were in Toddler Child's sock drawer.  He's three.  He's too young to appreciate cool socks, so I blame Chris for accidentally putting my socks in the wrong drawer.

Guess what Supermodel and I are getting our husbands for Father's Day this year?

**********

For you, Rena...

Blue = completed workouts this week.  Red = workouts awaiting me.

M - 6 miles: 4 miles easy, 2 slightly faster [level 7]
T - cross train 35 minutes [bike or elliptical]; lift weights
W - 5 miles with 6 x 20 sec strides
Th - Intervals: 1 mi warm-up; 4 x 1.25 mile repeats @ level 7 [.25 mi recovery]; 1 mi cool-down
F -  4 miles easy or cross train 35 minutes [bike or elliptical]; lift weights
Sa - 12 miles on trails
Su - Off

Flat vs. Not Flat

Supermodel and I had words on our run yesterday.  Like it's not exhausting enough simply running.  We have to elevate our heart rates and blood pressure by adding a disagreement to the workout.

The plan?  Run seven miles -- the first three easy, the last four at a slightly faster pace.  Slightly.  We live in a hilly area and get plenty of hill workouts.  We both embrace our speed workouts on the track [flat!] and look forward to easy runs, preferably with as few hills as possible.

I thought I had selected the perfect route for us, considering our lack of options.  Supermodel let me know for nearly the first three miles how the subtle hills on our route were more difficult than... I don't know.  Running in Kansas?  We live at the base of the Wasatch Mountains.  She suggested a possible turn at the 1.5 mile mark.  I disagreed.  We debated the inclines and declines on various stretches of road in our area... for way too long.

I may not have a little surveyor-guy living in my head like Supermodel apparently does, but I think I know the difference between flat and hilly.

 

To review, example "A" does not exist in our area.  We are surrounded by examples "B, C and D", however I believe we ran on a section of road similar to example "E".  Supermodel reserves the right to disagree with me, and provide us a flatter course in the future.

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For you, Rena...

Blue = completed workouts this week.  Red = workouts awaiting me.

M - 7 miles: 3 miles easy, 4 slightly faster [level 6]
T - Elliptical 35 minutes; lift weights
W - 4 miles with 5 x 20 sec strides
Th - Intervals: 1 mi warm-up; 6 x .5 mile repeats @ level 8 [.25 mi recovery]; 1 mi cool-down
F - cross train [bike or elliptical]; lift weights
Sa - 11 miles on trails
Su - Off

Early Sucks for Everyone

The alarm went off a little later than usual this morning, and you know what?  It still sucked.  I'm a self-described morning person.  I think more clearly in the morning than I do at night.  In college when I needed to cram for a test, I preferred to go to bed before midnight, set the alarm for 3:00 or 4:00 AM and study in the early morning.

However, being awakened from a deep sleep, whether you're a morning person or not, is a terrible feeling.  My alarm is usually set for 4:30 or 4:45 AM so I can workout before Chris and the kids leave for the day.  I try to get to bed before !0:00 PM, but it doesn't always happen.

When people use the excuse that they can't find time to workout during the day or evening, and mornings won't work because... they're not a morning person, I find it difficult to generate much sympathy.  Being awakened before your body naturally wants to get up, via a sick child, weird house noises, snoring partner, barking dog or the alarm clock... sucks.  Always.  I NEVER want to get up when the alarm screams at me.  NEVER.

When my Toddler Child [3] is older and in school with his brothers, I will embrace the option to run, bike or swim... later [assuming I'm still a SAHM].  I plan to take advantage of an extra hour of sleep this summer, but I'll still need to have workouts completed before Chris leaves for work, and before the day gets too hot.

Just a forewarning...

If you say:  I can't workout.  There's no time.

Then I say:  What about going for a 30-minute walk or jog in the morning? [before getting ready for work, or getting kids out of bed]

Then you say:  Nah.  I'm not a morning person.

...I just might smack you.

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For you, Rena...

Blue = completed workouts this week.  Red = workouts awaiting me.

M - 7 miles easy
T - Elliptical 30 minutes; lift weights
W - 3 miles with 4 x 20 sec strides
Th - Intervals: 1 mi warm-up; 8 x .1 mile sprints [.25 mi recovery]; 1 mi cool-down
F - cross train [bike or elliptical]; lift weights
Sa - 6-8 miles on trails
Su - Off

I never say "awesome".

Supermodel and I ran nine miles on trails yesterday.  It was great.  Because it was an endurance run, we were deliberately slow, inserting a 1-2 minute walk break every 8-10 minutes.  We're fortunate because to get to the closest trail head, we only have to run one mile on the road.  The closest trail head, unfortunately, is a steady climb for three miles, four if you count the mile "warm-up" on the road that's also a gradual incline.  I told Supermodel it would make us physically and mentally tough.  She said, whatever.

Two of my new favorite things:

The Garmin Forerunner 405 - Wow.  I used to run trails on South Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona 15-20 years ago.  I never really knew how far I went, I just ran.  We only had enough money for one mountain bike early in our marriage, so Chris would ride and I would run.  For three hours.  He always circled back and checked on me.  It was actually very fun.

The Garmin, or similar GPS devices, is old news for most road and trail runners.  My Garmin has many functions including a heart rate monitor [which I don't use].  The two features I can't imagine being without EVER AGAIN, are my current pace, and distance traveled.

It's awesome! [And I never say "awesome".] 

Brooks Cascadia 4 Trail Running Shoe - I had myself convinced that shoes specifically for running trails were a marketing gimmick -- a way to get me to spend more money.  In the past my road shoes have worked just fine on trails.  [I've only run packed trails, not wet, muddy, bouldery trails.]  I finally bought a pair and I'm a convert.  Supermodel chose the ASICS GEL-Trabuco 11 WP and is completing her conversion after our run yesterday.

When we purchased our shoes, I tried on the ASICS, but they felt heavy and bulky to me.  Supermodel tried on the Brooks but she has a high arch and pronated when she jogged in them.  Plus... my shoes are ugly.  Supermodel almost didn't let me buy them.  The sales guy finally brought out the same shoe in a slightly less ugly color combination, so I bought them.

My shoes are awesome!  [And I never say "awesome".]

For Rena...

1.  Strides during the run mean open it up a bit.  Not a sprint, but lengthen your stride and push it.  You shouldn't chat with your training partner during a stride.

2.  Mile repeats are supposed to be at a pace faster than your warm-up or cool-down.  For example, some days the training plan calls for a 5k pace or a 10k pace.  [5k pace would be faster than a 10k pace]  The specific pace depends on your fitness level.  YOUR pace would be very, very, very fast for mile repeats, speedy.

3.  Recovery between mile repeats or increased pace sets, are slower... so you can recover.  You got that one right!

There are no healthy Pop-Tarts in life.

I try to eat whole foods as a rule [fruits, vegetables, grains, lean protein], but I love sugar, baked goods and other treats like wine, cheese, beer and greasy chips as much as the next guy.  How I feel on my runs is directly impacted by what I eat.

I made a bad call this week.  I bought some new Pop-Tarts.  [I love crap food and have to race past it in the grocery store so I won't spastically grab something and throw it in my cart.]  The new Pop-Tarts have fiber in them -- 20% daily value!

I eat a lot of fiber.  One to two bowls of All Bran a day.  Not the All Bran Buds, but the Original All Bran.  It's like eating a bowl of little sticks.  I seriously love it.  The point is my stomach is used to digesting fiber.

Unfortunately, I discovered my stomach has a difficult time with the 5 grams of dietary fiber that's in the new Pop-Tarts.  Or something that's in the new Pop-Tarts.

Due to my healthy Pop-Tart bedtime snacks the past few nights, my runs this week have been... crampy.

Lesson Learned:  Stick to Original All Bran for my fiber, AND enjoy Original Pop-Tarts for an occasional crap-food treat.

For you, Rena...

Blue = completed workouts this week.  Red = workouts awaiting me.

M - 3 miles easy
T - Elliptical 30 minutes; lift weights
W - 4 miles with 4 x 20 sec strides
Th - 5.5. miles -- 1 mi warm-up; 3 x 1 mile repeats [.25 mi recovery]; 1 mi cool-down
F - cross train [bike or elliptical]; lift weights
Sa - 9 miles on trails
Su - Off